Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal Signs Bill Reducing State's Gun Free Zones

24 Apr 2014

On April 23, Georgia Governor Nathan Deal (R) signed the Safe Carry Protection Act of 2014 (HB 60), which reduces the number of gun free zones in the state by expanding concealed carry to more bars, unsecured portions of airports, and certain government buildings.

On February 24, Breitbart News reported that the bill’s sponsor, Representative Rick Jasperse (R-Jasper), said part of the impetus behind HB 60 was a reduction in gun free zones, which he said “are gun free to the good guys only.”

According to UPI, Governor Deal expressed the same sentiment upon signing the bill by saying the new law means that “people who follow the rules can protect themselves and their families from people who don’t follow the rules.” Deal said this ability to defend oneself and one’s family “should reside at the forefronts of our minds.”

In addition to expanding concealed carry to more bars, certain airport locations, and some government buildings, the new law permits churches to allow their congregants to carry concealed firearms to worship services.